How Much Does a Cruise Ship Musician Make?

By Anna Duncan

Cruise ship musicians provide an important service to the holiday industry. They are responsible for setting the atmosphere of a cruise ship and providing entertainment for passengers.

So, how much does a cruise ship musician make?

The answer to how much a cruise ship musician makes depends largely on the type of musician and their experience level. Generally speaking, more experienced musicians can command higher salaries than those with less experience. However, cruise ships usually employ different types of musicians, such as singers, guitarists, keyboard players, drummers and other instrumentalists.

For example, some cruise lines offer a flat rate per day for all their musical entertainers. This flat rate is usually around $100-$200 per day. Additionally, some cruise lines may offer bonuses for performances or special events such as weddings or anniversaries.

In addition to the daily rate mentioned above, there are often additional benefits offered to cruise ship musicians such as free meals and accommodation while on board the ship. This can be a great incentive for musicians who are looking to travel while earning money.

Cruise ships also often hire bands rather than individual musicians. Bands typically earn more money than individual musicians because they often have multiple members and can perform longer sets. Some bands may even be able to negotiate higher pay depending on their experience level.

Conclusion:

Although exact figures will differ from one type of musician to another and from one cruise line to another, it is safe to say that a cruise ship musician can expect to make anywhere from $100-$200 per day plus bonuses depending on their experience level and what type of entertainment they are providing.